Heat's James, Grizzlies' Randolph named Kia Players of Month

NEW YORK -- The Miami Heat's LeBron James and the Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph Friday were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors, respectively, for games played during January.

James was the league's leading scorer at 30.6 ppg, while placing fifth in the East in steals (1.75 spg) and adding averages of 8.4 rebounds and 7.4 blocks. He also logged the most minutes (40.6 mpg) in the conference in helping the Heat to a 9-5 record. On Jan. 9, he registered season highs with 44 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Portland. James scored 20-or-more points in all 12 games he played and was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week twice in January.

Randolph finished third in the league in rebounds (14.2 rpg) and averaged 22.4 points to lead Memphis to 11 wins in January; the club's most wins in a calendar month since January 2005. He set a franchise record with a career-high 14 consecutive double-doubles and recorded his fourth and fifth 20-point, 20-rebound games of the season. Randolph won player of the week honors twice in January and is the first player in Grizzlies history to win a Player of the Month Award.

Here is a closer look at the month for James and Randolph:

LeBron James, Miami HeatJan. 7 @ Milwaukee: Totaled 26 points, 10 rebounds and a season-high six steals in a 101-95 win over the Bucks.Jan. 9 @ Portland: Posted season highs with 44 points and 13 rebounds to go along with six assists in a 107-100 win over the Trail Blazers.Jan. 22 vs. Toronto: Recorded 38 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in a 120-103 victory over the Raptors.Jan. 30 @ Oklahoma City: Scored 23 points to go along with 13 rebounds, four steals and a season-high three blocks in a 108-103 win over the Thunder.

Zach Randolph, Memphis GrizzliesJan. 4 vs. Oklahoma City: Recorded 31 points, 16 rebounds and two steals in a 110-105 win over the Thunder.Jan. 12 @ Detroit: Scored 34 points, and added 17 rebounds and two steals in a 107-99 win over the Pistons.Jan. 15 vs. Dallas: Tallied 23 points, 20 rebounds and two assists in an 89-70 win over the Mavericks.Jan. 29 vs. Washington: Posted 24 points, 20 rebounds and three assists in a 107-93 win over the Wizards.

The Kia NBA Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month are part of a series of on-court performance awards called "The Kia NBA Performance Awards." The series, currently in its fourth season, is part of a multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and includes four of the league's most prestigious year-end honors: Most Valuable Player Award, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man Award, and Most Improved Player. Kia Motors is the Official Automotive Partner of the NBA and the all-new Kia Optima is the league's Official Vehicle. For more information on the "The Kia NBA Performance Awards" visit www.NBA.com/awards.

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